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The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) Executive Committee has suspended the implementation of the new format for the 2025/26 StarTimes Uganda Premier League (UPL) season.
The decision follows a series of consultations with key stakeholders, including UPL clubs, league sponsors, and the Uganda Premier League Board.
In a statement issued on Saturday evening, FUFA confirmed that Rule 14:4-12 of the FUFA Competition Rules 2025, which had introduced adjustments to the league’s competition structure, will not apply this season.
According to the federation, the suspension is intended to give stakeholders more time to fully understand and adapt to the proposed reforms through structured sensitisation and engagement sessions.
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo emphasized that the decision reflects a deliberate and consultative approach to reforming domestic football.
We believe in reforms that strengthen our competitions, but it is equally important that all stakeholders fully understand and buy into the process before implementation,” Magogo said.
“The suspension is not a reversal of progress but a deliberate step to ensure proper alignment, clarity, and readiness across all fronts.”
The proposed format had drawn widespread criticism from both fans and clubs. KCCA FC publicly expressed its dissatisfaction, while Vipers SC, SC Villa, and NEC FC walked out of a key meeting in which 13 other clubs agreed to play under the new system.
Although Villa and NEC later opted to participate under protest, Vipers wrote to FUFA to confirm its withdrawal from the season starting with the double-header game against Kitara at Namboole Stadium.The Kitende-based side stayed true to its stance, failing to show up for their scheduled fixture against Kitara FC during a planned double-header at Namboole Stadium.
For now, the league will continue under the previous format, with the first and second rounds determining the champion based on the total points accumulated across both rounds, as has been the case in past seasons.
